My Favorite Jazz Album Acquisitions of 2021

The Best of 2021:
Albums of the Year: • The Best Albums of 202...
Box Sets: • The Ten Best Box Sets ...

[@abiliovieira9644]

Great video as always, you inspired me to place an order with Sam Records, and now I’ll try to track down that Illinois Jacquet album. I had quite a few of the Tone Poets and Blue Note Classics but I enjoy exploring other jazz releases. All the best and Seasons Greetings.

[@etbiv]

That Illinois Jacques album… wow! Thanks for sharing. Listened twice tonight. Love it.

[@jeffreyroedel9804]

I've been really enjoying all of your year-end wrap up and ranking videos. I learned some new things about jazz releases here, too. Thanks for all you do Mazzy!

[@mazzysmusic]

These are fun to make. Happy you enjoy them ✌🏽

[@brucegibson7665]

Great video Norm! Probably the best one I've seen from you. Cheers man, happy holidays

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

Some beautiful albums there Mazzy! The Evans & Nat boxes are on my list. Enjoy.

[@danmartinez5502]

You're right this has been a great year for Jazz vinyl releases. In my 5 decades of collecting its now the best it has ever been.

[@joeribt]

I just came across your channel and what a treat it has been so far. Thank you for doing this!

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you. Happy you enjoy it. 🥂🌟

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Thanks Mazzy, another great video! Lots of fabulous records and beautifully introduced. I wholeheartedly agree that Sam records are knocking it out of the park this year!! Fred does a super job and each record he makes is beautiful and demonstrates a love and care which is commendable and seldom seen. It is a wonderful time to be starting a jazz collection and can I take this opportunity to say a huge 'thank you' for all your hard work in making these videos and sharing your knowledge and expertise. I'll certainly look forward to the next video with Amanda. It would be fantastic to see another '4 corners' to round off another challenging year. The UK is gearing up again for another lockdown I'm sure, and your videos along with Michael Ludvigs at 45rpm provide enthusiasm and energy that helps to offset the blues and depressing headlines. Many thanks and peace and best wishes to you and your family.

[@mazzysmusic]

Have a happy season. Back at ya. Yeah I’d buy every Sam release even without hearing. I trust his tastes so much. Good stuff 🎶

[@BaldyFella]

Great stuff Mazzy. Some of those are on my want list.

[@connorfreeman1990]

Great video! Gotta make a playlist of these on Spotify. Thanks Mazzy!

[@djjoeykmusic]

Great picks! Thank you brother

[@terrywho22]

Nicely done! Yes, those OJCs are very underrated, and I'm waiting to see what Sam Records puts out in 2022. Cheers!

[@drummusicinc4027]

I do love me some jazzy Mazzy… Really enjoy your jazz themed videos. Excellent stuff Thanks 🙏

[@mazzysmusic]

Mazzy likes Jazzy 🎶

[@djjoeykmusic]

Hi Mazzy, hope you are doing well. Great video! Love it Great break down and a lot of information. Love your hat. Looks good brother. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful one

[@MrLovell1971]

Mazzy this was an excellent thorough break down of great jazz releases this year and that Bill Evans box set on Analogue Productions is a dream set I would love to add to my collection I really enjoyed it Happy Holidays Mazzy . Lovellandrew

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you Lovell. Yeah the Bill Evans is a dream box for me 🎶

[@brandnewstart]

Some great choices Mazzy, totally agree about the Acoustic Sounds series. I would add the Oliver Nelson Blues and the Abstract Truth. Probably my favourite from that series so far. Katanga and Merry Christmas 🙏🎄

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah the Oliver Nelson is really good too 🎶

[@albertguffanti8414]

Katanga is a favorite too. Was fun to see in the notes that Curtis Amy played on some Doors albums. I can definitely recognize the familiar tone.

[@RandyforRoyals]

Everything that I have picked up from SAM records has been great. I really love that Peggy Lee as well. I am still waiting for my Katanga! order to arrive. Looks like my want list has expanded as you have shown some wonderful albums.

[@mazzysmusic]

SAM release are great and Peggy’s Coffee. Hope Katanga arrives soon so you can scream that name from the highest mountaintop. 🏔⛰🌋

[@stangotigerfists]

Nice tour. Thanks, mon frere.

[@Lasermanprint]

Excellent Jazz at its best Miles Davis and John Coltrane albums are getting up there in price now, hard to get really good pressings in Australia. fantastic episode

[@marioschwarzbach1191]

Another excellent video

[@Venus_Isle]

Katanga is indeed truly stunning...

[@astorbeijer9424]

Thanks for the video. I added quite a few of these records to my Qobuz. Unfortunately, I live in Europe so my place is too small and everything here is too expensive to have a decent stereo sysytem. I would say the Bill Evans box set was one of the best finds of a lifetime, not just 2021.

[@jasonhoffer9017]

So funny that you are highlighting the Illinois Jacquet 'Wing's the Thing' record as I bought a new copy this year and have had the same results - I can't stop listening to it. I'm not new to Jazz and have always loved Illinois Jacquet output - he was a unique sound in Jazz in that it seems to come in a time period just before people new to Jazz start thinking Jazz is cool. For whatever reason certain people and entire time periods gets ignored by people new to Jazz (or at least that is what I have ascertained from people's KZbin Channels discussions). A record to look for if you haven't heard it already is the very first Verve title put out by the label 'Norman Granz' Jazz At The Philharmonic Volume 1 - How High The Moon 1957" - there is a song called "Blues" which may encapsulate everything I love about Jazz. You can feel the joy of masters like Nat King Cole, Les Pau, J.J. Johnson, Illinois Jacquet and others just jamming and musically joking around. Really infectious and quiet easy to find used.

[@mazzysmusic]

All good suggestions jason abs I absolutely agree. I have several of the Jazz at the Phil late 70s Polydor Verve reissues and we’ll as a double CD set from those records. Fantastic music. Thank you 🎶

[@martinbench3657]

All great music here , we are lucky enough to have a 24/7 jazz station beaming out of Toronto everyone should give jazz a listen

[@ClausHensingDenmark]

Great presentation - Thanks. Inspired by you, I've just ordered "Swing's The Thing" :) And - yes 2021 has been a great jazz-records-year. Like you, I bought all the Tone Poets, BN Classics, Sam's and Impulse/Acoustic Sounds you show - (give or take a handfull). Other great jazz records from 2021 for me has been: Barney Wilen - "French Ballads" (Elemental Music, 2021) Chet Baker - "Memories - In Tokyo" and "Four" (both Paddle Wheel, 2021) Keith Jarrett - "Budapest Concert" (ECM, 2020 - but was delayed to start of 2021 here).

[@mazzysmusic]

I did get that Keith Jarrett and do enjoy it. I’ll need to spin it again 🎶

[@edhughes2456]

Katanga was certainly one of my favorites this year. I may have to check out that Jimmy Smith title you and Michael from Germany gave props to.

[@mazzysmusic]

Both fun records. 🍸

[@robwalkerletthemusicplay]

Interesting video for me to see which jazz albums you like. I’ve bought maybe 25 jazz records this year I don’t own any that you showed cheers mazzy 👍

[@mazzysmusic]

So much jazz coming out these days. Everyone could share a different list 🎶

[@raymclaughlin2739]

Great video. Gonna look for that Illinois J AP version

[@mazzysmusic]

It’s a good one ✌🏽

[@rocky-o]

when it comes to the nat cole trio, the song that does it for me is 'sweet lorraine'....and just curious, but wasn't the yusef latef reissue released this year...i'm probably wrong and it was last year...2021 flew by so fast it just seemed like an appendage to 2020....i'm not ready for 2022 yet...but great selections to get us thru it my friend....hope you have a brilliant holiday season and see you in the new year....peace always...rocky

[@highrantdistrict]

I agree with you about the need for boxes for single albums, and I also agree that if it has to have a box for a single album, the Craft size is the way to go. I'd take it a step further and eliminate unnecessary gatefolds. I know you're in the photography biz so you'll value images more than I do, but shelf space matters and being conservative about abusing resources (wood/paper/etc) should be part of the equation in this hobby as well. Cheers, Tom

[@EvanVincent.]

Your video lighting is jazz. 😋

[@brianphannemiller3944]

Great video! Do you have a personal recommendation out of those three Chet Baker records? I was actually looking at Volume 2 - 1956 before I realized Sam records had others available.

[@selilelbi8342]

Good taste 👍

[@heribertovalentin1563]

Wow,wow,wow....what a great collection of jazz records....I have bought many over this year but I do love the one you recommend on the Rue gramophone label Kjetl Mulelid which is beautiful....that label reminds me of a bit of ECM records...these have beautiful modern art work....and I love all the Blue Notes....I got to get my hand on the Illinois Jacquet....and man you got two great box sets the Nat King Cole and the Bill Evans....wow....I do have most of Bill Evans and very few of the Nat Cole trio...that's some excellent music....Mazzy as always I enjoy your videos if jazz or non jazz....best wishes to you ....enjoy the holidays....Ed from Brooklyn New York....🌃🍷🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you Herberto. Appreciate the comments. That Kjetl is so beautiful and does recall the Keith Jarret solo albums on ECM 🎶

[@heribertovalentin1563]

@@mazzysmusic ....it's a beautiful record ❤🎵🎶🎵🎶...have a great holiday....🎄....Ed in New York 🗽

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

I just checked and Acoustic Sounds has some of those SAM records at $39.98 with free shipping over $49. Think I’m going to pull the trigger on a couple of them. Been hearing about this label for quite some time.

[@clouddog2393]

Speaking as a Brit Mazzy how about a video on the best British Jazz albums . So many great musicians ... Tubby Hayes , Michael Garrick , Don Rendall , Joe Harriot , lan Carr to name a few . The '60,s were the best time for Jazz over here because we found our own voice instead of copying the American greats as we did in the '50's . Just an idea you might want to consider . A good video as always . The " Mingus , Mingus , Mingus " L.p. is one of my favourites by him along with " Blues and Roots" . Take care , Happy Xmas .

[@mazzysmusic]

I’d love to see someone else tackle that as I don’t know much about or have any albums from those great artists 🎶

[@dkstott29]

@@mazzysmusic get The Jazz Shepherd onto it

[@keithwalker8090]

Not only the '6o,s British Jazz but some of the new Jazz' like Theon Cross, Oscar Jerome, Yazmin Lacey, and others have unique grooves.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Been a big fan of your channel for a while mazzy, but I have yet to hear the origin story of the archivist. Who is she. Why is she called that? Haha. Keep up the great work

[@alexsnegirov728]

Illinois Jacquet - Swing's The Thing (Mono Version) is still in stock at Acoustic Sounds. Buy now or cry later :) Thank you, Mazzy!

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Mazzy you are the first of the VC reviewers that I have seen give KOB a real review of the clarity vinyl. We would think that clarity vinyl would be more quiet then a regular AP pressing and at least mine(even the replaced copy) like yours was not. Gracias sir.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah I mentioned this before. It’s a great version but not perfect as advertised imho. Still I’m happy to have it. 🤠🥺😎

[@gmegbert]

I love Elephant9 and Krokofant! I have 8 albums by Elephant9. Live/Evil is still cutting-edge, IMO. Do you have any "dark jazz" or "doom jazz"? Like the Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, The Mount Fuji Doomjazz Corporation, Dale Cooper Quartet, et al

[@geraldsquires7338]

I would just like to thank you for this, along with the general favourite of 2021 piece, for emptying my bank account. It would have been worse if it wasn't for some of the, let's be honest, fucking ridiculous prices and some peoples totally unrealistic shipping costs. But happy holiday period to you and here's to you spending my earnings in 2022.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah my channel for some is one big ATM 😘😎🤠

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

The amount of jazz that came out this year was very overwhelming for me and I really had to pick and choose and keep my focus narrow. I have been trying to find some of the newer jazz and break myself out of bop and hard bop. The Kind of Blue limited to 25000 is a joke but I still bought it after putting it off. Not very hard to find. Lot of stuff was new to me, new year more new releases

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah so much great stuff we have to pick and choose. But it’s a great selection to choose from 🎶

[@4-dman464]

A great quirky techno-retro-Thirties jazz vocal is 'Woody Woody' by Dimie Cat. She sank without trace and the song is about 8 years old but I'm new to it. She celebrates one Allen film nobody likes, including Allen and Weide even - - CURSE OF THE JADE SCORPION - - nobody but Dimie Cat and me. 'Woody Woody' is so eccentrically specifically about that fine flawed underrated film it could pass for a main/end title song. Dimie Cat. 'Woody Woody.' It's the cat's pyjamas. It's the bee's knees. You heard it here first. Well, not first, but certainly 8 years later.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Great video. Sincerely, Mere Mortal

[@mazzysmusic]

Yes you are Jon 🤠

[@henryoliver2833]

Nice set! When was the era that Analogue Productions put its logo right on the covers?

[@mazzysmusic]

1992-96 or so I think ✌🏽

[@marilynnbaroque3280]

Hi Mazzy: Do you have a Vinyl or CD Box collection of recordings by Keith Jarrett? Have you acquired this Blue Note recording? At The Blue Note Complete Recordings Box Set, 6 CD, Reissued, Live Keith Jarrett Format: Audio CD I appreciate your music knowledge and enthusiasm. Take care

[@marchughes6161]

mine would be Lee Morgan ‘The Complete Live At The Lighthouse’ 🎺✨💿💿💿💿💿💿💿💿🍷🇺🇸🌆

[@mazzysmusic]

I dios get the CD box. Probably should have included it 🎶

[@zenvagabond]

Great selection, thanks man. Even though you hate Tattoo you, you will be forgiven ....

[@00blasted]

Please listen to this record: Rão Kyao -Fado Bailado jazz with a beautiful Portuguese guitar ❤️ then tell me what you think of that disc... maybe I'll send you a copy later 😜

[@amosperrine1909]

Have you seen, or have, the Evans Riverside box from 25-30 years ago, cut at 33 1/3? If so, how does it compare to the new box?

[@mazzysmusic]

Have not heard the 33 version 😎

[@albertguffanti8414]

I have the one in the red box, 18 discs, 1984. Sounds amazing.

[@SDsailor7]

I like the mellow jazz records/artists but don't know who some of them are.

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

That F'in C Trane Record. I have the AP pressing coming. I think its back ordered already

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah gotta jump on these right away. Keep searching I bet you can still find a copy. 🎶

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

@@mazzysmusic Cheekily referring to the Craft pressing

[@mazzysmusic]

@@s.t.e.r.e.o. oh right. That one 🍸

[@dakotasuite]

that record titled 'Q'. I didnt catch the artist mazzy lad...can you reference it? wanna check that one out...

[@mazzysmusic]

Krokofant Q on Rune Gramophone Records

[@ergloo6660]

Ah shiiiit brown vinyl I approve. Why would you want to collect the same record n times in different colours? Oh to clog up pressing plants and display the records on the wall rather than playing them. Mazzie I'm with you on coloured vinyl and fatuous box sets

[@therevrockinrollin]

👏🏽✌🏽

[@mazzysmusic]

🐰🙈

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Jazz 🥱

[@slimfishguttz5688]

I had “Live Evil”when it was first issued. Lost that copy long ago, but recently bought another. To me, it now plays dated and gimmicky. OTOH, Sonny Rollins is for the ages.

[@recordswithzeb]

Fuck the boxes! I am with you Mazzy.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah 🥂🥂🥂🍸

[@davidbryanbartlett4071]

Lets start digging deeper,all you guys show are the records ther are alot better recordings out there,especiaaly Mingus Dig deeper he is a lot better than the stuff on youtube

[@martinsprenz2872]

Only records of Jazz classics like Coltrane, Evans, Davis.... Boring list.